The UK and EU have agreed a draft sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) deal aimed at removing post-Brexit checks on food and agricultural exports. The 200-page text has been circulated to EU member states for consideration, ahead of a meeting of EU ambassadors on Wednesday and a UK-EU summit later this month.

The agreement is the most significant part of the Brexit reset agreed so far, according to the report. It is intended to reduce paperwork, inspections and fees introduced after the UK left the EU single market. The draft could remove requirements including export health and phytosanitary certificates, inspector and sampling fees, some port charges and organic certificates.

The UK government estimates the changes could eventually bring the economy £5.1bn in annual benefits. The deal would also allow UK exports of fresh sausages, burgers, shellfish from domestic waters and seed potatoes to resume, and provide for passports for UK pets travelling to the EU.

In return, the UK would commit to observing and adapting to existing EU rules on standards for plant, animal and food trade, a process known as “dynamic alignment”. The report notes that England has diverged from EU rules in some areas, including the regulation of precision-bred plants, and says transition arrangements have recently been agreed as new EU rules take effect.

Other draft texts circulated alongside the food agreement cover emissions trading and a youth travel and work scheme. The planned number of places in the youth scheme is still to be settled politically. A discount on full foreign student fees for EU students and a plan to reconnect electricity markets are likely to be discussed next year.

The draft agreements are expected to include references to UK participation in defence cooperation schemes, access to law-enforcement databases and assurances concerning the EU’s “Made in Europe” plans. A European Partnerships Bill announced by the UK government would provide a legal route for applying new EU rules and regulations, and support links between the UK and EU emissions trading systems.

Supermarkets and farmers’ representatives have backed the food trade plans, while some pro-Brexit campaigners have criticised the prospect of applying EU rules again. The UK’s post-Brexit trade agreement had prioritised regulatory freedom, the report says, over avoiding additional checks, delays and red tape.

The British Chamber of Commerce has also called for the government to examine options for a closer relationship with the EU. Its analysis says businesses are struggling with Brexit-related paperwork and delays. In a BCC survey, 56% of exporting businesses said they wanted EU customs paperwork and delays removed to help them grow; the figure was 58% among manufacturers. The group outlined nine possible models, including a customs union and closer single-market arrangements.

The prime minister has said he wants the summit to begin a discussion about the UK’s longer-term relationship with the EU, including the possibility of rejoining the bloc.

Sources: BBC News UK.